Iraq coach wants World Cup play-off to be postponed

Iraq's head coach Graham Arnold said the team's World Cup play-off decider later this month should be postponed amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran.

“- Published Iraq's World Cup play-off decider later this month should be postponed amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, says the team's head coach Graham Arnold”

BBC

Iraq are set to face either Bolivia or Suriname in the Mexican city of Monterrey on 31 March, with the winner of the inter-continental play-off booking their place in the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June.

BBC

Arnold said Iraq are concerned they might not be able to get their players and staff over to Mexico because of the travel disruption in the Middle East, triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.

The article states Iraqi airspace has been closed since 28 February when the first US-Israeli strikes began and Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries.

BBC

Arnold, who became Iraq manager in May 2025, warned: "It wouldn't be our best team and we need our best team for the country's biggest game in 40 years."

He added: "The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game that it is insane."

"The fact that they haven't qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job," he added.

Arnold proposed that FIFA delay the game so Bolivia and Suriname can play their semi-final on 26 March, allowing Iraq to face the winner a week before the World Cup in the US.

“- Published Iraq's World Cup play-off decider later this month should be postponed amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, says the team's head coach Graham Arnold”

BBC

Arnold said: 'If Fifa was to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly.'

The article records Iraq defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of the World Cup qualifiers in Asia last November to reach the inter-continental play-off.

Arnold said, 'Our federation's president Adnan Dirjal is working round the clock trying to plan and prepare to make everyone in Iraq's dream come true so we need this decision made quickly.'

BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for comment, and the article does not say whether FIFA will postpone the match, so the outcome remains unclear.